In the vibrant tapestry of Italian culture, where passion often dictates the daily narrative, Lella Costa stands out. Not merely as a celebrated actress, writer, and voice artist, but as a uniquely insightful observer of the sporting world. Her perspective, far from the typical fan`s fervor or the analyst`s sterile statistics, is imbued with a delightful blend of wit, humanity, and a healthy dose of irony. For Costa, sport is less about the brute force of competition and more about the compelling narratives of the human spirit.
The Genesis of a Distinctive View: Adam, Eve, and the Pink Paper
One might wonder how such a nuanced viewpoint on sports originates. Costa, ever the storyteller, offers a humorous anecdote that perfectly encapsulates her philosophy. Drawing from a joke co-authored for a 1992 show, she posits a delightful scenario from the Garden of Eden: “Adam dreamed of something pink he was missing. God intervened, created woman, and caused a mess, because in reality, all Adam wanted for company on those splendid mornings was a copy of La Gazzetta dello Sport.” This playful jab at the male obsession with the daily pink sports newspaper immediately sets the stage for Costa`s less conventional, more observational approach to the athletic arena. Indeed, she admits to finding intense physical activity “a tad unnatural,” often preferring to delve into the personal tales that unfold both on and off the field.
Beyond the Field: Championing Women in Sport
While sport may traditionally be a male-dominated sphere, Costa is acutely aware of the evolving landscape, particularly regarding women`s participation. She acknowledges the progress but laments the lingering perception of female sports as somehow “lesser,” a “Serie B” narrative that requires the clarifying addendum of “women`s” to every sport. This linguistic distinction, she argues, perpetuates an outdated view, even amidst the undeniable triumphs of Italian female athletes, especially in disciplines like skiing. However, she remains optimistic that a generational shift is underway, with younger audiences more readily embracing gender equality in sports. Her own work, including the book and show “Se non posso ballare… Non è la mia rivoluzione” (If I can`t dance… it`s not my revolution), proudly features 102 remarkable women, including athletes like Wilma Rudolph, whose inspirational journey from polio to three Olympic gold medals in Rome 1960 serves as a powerful testament to female excellence.
An Inter Fan, But With Measured Passion
Her allegiance to Inter Milan, she reveals, was not inherited but cultivated through a deep connection with Massimo and Milly Moratti, whom she describes as “special people.” This personal bond blossomed during Inter`s glorious “Triplete” era, leaving an enduring affection. Yet, her fandom remains distinctly measured. Reflecting on a disappointing season, she notes, “I felt very sorry, but if I said I lost sleep over it, I`d be lying.” This candid admission underscores her belief that sports passion, while valuable, should be tempered. She expresses concern over the “shameful and worrying” behavior sometimes seen among fans in streets and stadiums, interpreting it as a reflection of a predominantly “masculine way” of approaching confrontation, urging a deeper societal reflection on the issue.
Admiring Character: From Zanetti to Velasco
When it comes to individual athletes, Costa`s admiration gravitates towards character as much as talent. Figures like Javier Zanetti and Giacinto Facchetti are revered not just for their legendary play but for their exemplary human qualities. Her encounter with the iconic Boninsegna left her charmed by his “crazy sympathetic” nature. In contemporary football, she holds affection for the sons of Lilian Thuram, a man she describes as “magnificent.”
Her appreciation for sport extends beyond football. Tennis, a long-time favorite, now leaves her “astonished” by the sheer power and speed of modern players. On the topic of Italy`s rising tennis sensation, Jannik Sinner, Costa delivers a typically frank and humorous assessment: “Great talent, but I can`t say I like him, even if I know I`m exposing myself to national shame.” A bold statement indeed, especially in a nation that often lionizes its sporting heroes. This candidness, however, is balanced by her effusive praise for Adriano Panatta, whom she met after his career, finding him “irresistible, witty, and intelligent,” a person she`d immediately choose for a vacation. This comparison highlights her preference for charisma and personality alongside athletic prowess.
A Pen for the Pink Paper: Journalism and Leadership
Costa`s unique perspective even found a home within the pages of Italy`s premier sports newspaper. She recounts being invited by the esteemed Candido Cannavò, a “dearest friend,” to write for Gazzetta dello Sport`s magazine, sharing a column with other luminaries like Dan Peterson and Julio Velasco. While her viewpoint was undoubtedly distinct from the traditional sports commentators, she cherished the experience. Her admiration for Julio Velasco, the renowned volleyball coach, borders on “authentic veneration,” seeing him not just as a sporting leader but a profound figure of guidance in general.
Her journey through the world of sport has also brought her into contact with other inspiring figures. Lea Pericoli, the elegant tennis player, captivated her with “rare beauty and natural elegance.” And her encounter with Alex Zanardi, the resilient Paralympic champion, remains deeply cherished, marking him as a “fantastic person.”
The Enduring Narrative of Sport
Lella Costa reminds us that sport, at its heart, is a human endeavor. It is a stage where stories unfold—of triumph and disappointment, character and controversy, collective passion and individual journeys. Through her sharp observations, gentle humor, and unwavering focus on the human element, she provides a refreshing and deeply engaging narrative, proving that even for those who find the act of sport “a tad unnatural,” its human drama remains endlessly compelling.
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Murray Blackwood